Mixed
Exposure to aerial environmental stressors, specifically fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and gaseous pollutants, causes cardiovascular disease and mortality through systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and autonomic nervous system imbalance.
Monitor local air quality indices (AQI) and smog alerts. On days with high pollution, limit prolonged outdoor exertion, especially near traffic. Consider using air purifiers indoors and keeping windows closed during peak pollution times. This is a modifiable risk factor that acts independently of your diet and exercise habits.
Fine PM and greenhouse gases (NO2, SO2, carbon monoxide, and O3) pass through the lung membranes causing a vascular inflammatory cascade, including vasoconstriction, platelet aggregation, and thrombosis... Aerial stressors result in oxidative stress and systemic inflammation, and a cascade of events leading to an acceleration of atherosclerosis has been elucidated.
Why this rating
The paper cites large-scale epidemiological studies (WHO, 6 Cities Study, CanCHEC) and mechanistic animal/human studies.
Source
Toward a Cardio-Environmental Risk Model: Environmental Determinants of Cardiovascular Disease
François Reeves et al. · Canadian Journal of Cardiology · 2023
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →